NEW YORK: The Shubert Organization has named the five producers who will participate in the inaugural Artistic Circle Core Program. The Artistic Circle provides assistance to early- and mid-career commercial theatre producers of color who have current projects in development.
The inaugural members include Victoria Detres, Lawryn LaCroix, Bryan Joseph Lee, Sammy Lopez, and Danny Marin.
“To address the historical lack of representative producers on Broadway and on Off-Broadway, we are placing an emphasis on nurturing BIPOC producers for the commercial theatre,” Robert E. Wankel, the chairman and CEO of the Shubert Organization, said in a statement. “We’re honored to have the opportunity to work with this slate of producers and launch this new initiative.”
“As the oldest and largest property owner on Broadway, the Shubert Organization has a unique opportunity to support and amplify the next generation of BIPOC commercial producers, artists, and communities,” the Core Program producers said in a joint statement. “We are thrilled to be the inaugural cohort of the Artistic Circle, which will make space for new voices and redefine how commercial producers from historically excluded communities can be offered resources that disrupt the traditional development paths of new stories in our industry.”
In addition to financial support, members of the Core Program will receive support like office space, rehearsal and performance space, mentorship from established producers, invitations to industry readings and other events, and will be able to attend performances throughout the year. As the first participants in the program, the producers will also be able to give feedback to help shape the program.
Detres is a producer and director from New York City who is passionate about building a platform for contemporary theatre’s innovative voices, particularly those from marginalized communities. She is a graduate of the New York Theatre Workshop 2050 Producing Fellowship and is currently a producing assistant at Octopus Theatricals.
LaCroix is a New York- and London-based actor, producer, writer, and educator. She founded her company, Pinkhouse Productions, in 2017 to produce meaningful work exploring the female space. Led by an all-women team, Pinkhouse has worked with Tony and Emmy Award winners on productions.
Lee is a producer, civic organizer, and strategic consultant whose work centers Black, BIPOC, queer, and trans communities through storytelling and artistry. He is the founder of CNTR ARTS, a creative agency that centers artists, activists, and communities of color. He has produced work with La MaMa Experimental Theatre Club, Musical Theatre Factory, and the Shed, and previously served as the director of public forum at the Public Theater.
Lopez is a Mexican American artist dedicated to uplifting historically excluded voices and stories through the arts. He is a producer of the new musical Gun & Powder and recently co-produced the Old Vic’s A Christmas Carol on Broadway as well as Be More Chill both on and Off-Broadway. A co-founding member of the Industry Standard Group, Lopez serves on the board of the New 42, TYA/USA, and CO/LAB Theater Group.
Marin is an award-winning queer and Latine artist and producer. They are the executive director of Con Limón Productions, which strives to create a more equitable industry on the stage and behind the table. Marin is a co-producer of Jay Armstrong Johnson’s I Put A Spell On You, benefitting BC/EFA, and previously produced Twohander at Feinstein’s 54 Below.
The Shubert Organization is America’s oldest professional theatre company and currently owns and operates 17 Broadway theatres, six Off-Broadway theatres, and the Forrest Theatre in Philadelphia.
